Thursday night. (Photo: NDG/David Wilfong) File Photo
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, Assist the Officer Foundation and The Dallas Foundation announced that about $10 million has been raised to benefit the officers and families affected by the tragic events of July 7, 2016.
Together, Assist the Officer Foundation and The Dallas Foundation have worked to identify the most effective way to distribute the funds entrusted to the two organizations. Trusts have been created for the families of Dallas Police Department Sergeant Michael Smith, Senior Corporal Lorne Ahrens, Officer Michael Krol and Officer Patricio Zamarripa and Dallas Area Rapid Transit Officer Brent Thompson. The trusts will provide for their family members’ health, education and other support.
“We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the officers who lost or risked their lives to keep us safe,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. “Out of one of the darkest days in our city’s history, we have seen an incredible outpouring of love and support from organizations and individuals all over the world. We are so honored by the amount of people who have stepped forward to properly assist our fallen and injured officers.”
Details about the amount of money raised and the structure of the trusts to benefit the officers and their families were provided during a press conference Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Dallas City Hall.
More than 6,000 contributions were received from across the country, with all 50 states represented. Gifts were also received from Australia, the United Kingdom and Italy. Donations ranged from $5 to more than $250,000. Funds were equitably divided among the families of the fallen offers. In addition to the trusts, part of the donations will be directed to support the officers injured on July 7.
“The Assist the Officer Foundation is very grateful for the generous support shown for our police officers and their families,” said Frederick Frazier, chairman of the Assist the Officer Foundation. “It’s a powerful gesture that symbolizes the appreciation for every officer’s dedication to service and commitment to the safety of every citizen.”
“The joint effort to honor our fallen officers and their families has been remarkable,” said Mary Jalonick, president and CEO of The Dallas Foundation. “The philanthropic community in Dallas has worked closely with the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit agency to ensure that 100 percent of donations received will be distributed to the officers and families affected by the tragic events of July 7, 2016.”
